Solar air heater

ABSTRACT

A method, system, apparatus, and/or device for preheating air for a rooftop air handling unit (RTU). The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a barrier system configured to surround the RTU. The barrier system may include a structure to provide a frame for the barrier system, a first barrier configured to connect to a first side of the structure, and a collector configured to connect to a second side of the structure. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a duct configured to connect between the collector and a chamber. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a chamber configured to connect to an air intake hood of the RTU. The chamber may include a first opening to receive air stored in the cavity, a second opening to receive external air, and a diverter configured to switch between a first position and a second position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation in part of, and claims the benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/060,424, filed on Oct. 1, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/168,506, filed on Oct. 23, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/576,503, filed Oct. 24, 2017, the contents of which are all incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Solar collectors may be used to convert solar energy into heat energy. Solar collectors may be used in multiple applications to reduce a reliance on fossil fuel powered devices. For example, solar collectors may be used in the heating of residential and commercial buildings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present description will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various embodiments of the present embodiment, which, however, are not be taken to limit the present embodiment to the specific embodiments, but are for explanation and understanding only.

FIG. 1A illustrates a side perspective view of a solar air heating system connected to a rooftop air handling unit (RTU), according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of a solar air heating system connected to an RTU, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A illustrates a side exposed view of the solar air heating system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2B illustrates the chamber providing air to the RTU from below an air vent or air intake hood of the RTU, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2C illustrates the chamber providing air to the RTU from above an air vent of the RTU, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2D illustrates the chamber being partially inserted into an air vent of the RTU, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top perspective view of the structure of the solar air heating system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the structure, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3C illustrates a top view of the structure, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4A illustrates a strap to connect the structure to the RTU the solar air heating system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the structure connected to the RTU, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the barrier system without a barrier on a side of the barrier system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of an example embodiment of a solar air heating system connected to chamber affixed to a side wall of a building.

FIG. 7 is an exploded parts view of the solar air heating system of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the cage structure of an alternative embodiment of the solar air heating system of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8B is an enlarged perspective view of a selected portion of the cage structure illustrated in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is an enlarged perspective view of a selected portion of the cage structure illustrated in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a cross sectional view of the chamber of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of a selected portion of the cross section of the chamber illustrated in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the chamber of FIG. 6 affixed to the side wall of a building.

FIG. 11 is a perspective top view of an alternative embodiment of an air chamber.

FIG. 12 is a perspective bottom view of an alternative embodiment of an air chamber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed solar air heaters will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, a variety of solar air heater examples are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

A solar collector may be used as a solar air heater to supply heat to residential homes and commercial buildings. Conventional solar collectors may employ a collector plate for converting solar energy into heat. The collector plate is located inside a housing with a light-transmitting barrier for passing incident solar radiation. The solar radiation passes through the barrier and is absorbed by the collector plate and converted into heat. The converted heat energy may be transferred to a fluid or air to heat the fluid or air, respectively. The heated fluid or heated air may then be conveyed away for the solar collector and used to subsequently heat residential homes or commercial building.

Conventionally, the construction of solar air heaters may be expensive. The solar air heaters may be constructed out of metal and may be required to adhere to regulatory standards. Additionally, conventional solar air heaters may be cumbersome to install. For example, may regulatory standards require equipment screening on the three sides of a rooftop air handling unit (RTU) that are not used for solar collection. Additionally, to connect conventional solar air heaters with RTUs may require modifications and alterations to the RTU, which may increase the cost of installation. The modifications may also decrease the efficiency of the RTU or damage the RTU.

The embodiments described herein may, therefore, include a solar air heat system that may be connected to an RTU to preheat air that is used by the RTU to heat a building. In one embodiment, the solar air heater may be configured to reduce a cost on the construction of the solar air heater. In another embodiment, the solar air heater may be configured to connect to the RTU without modifying or altering the RTU.

FIG. 1A illustrates a side perspective view of a solar air heating system 100 connected to a rooftop air handling unit (RTU) 102, according to an embodiment. The solar air heating system 100 may include a chamber 104, an air duct 106, and a barrier system 108. The chamber 104 may be connected to the RTU 102.

The RTU 102 may be an air handling unit (AHU) that regulates and circulates air as part of a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. The RTU 102 may be a relatively large metal box that includes blowers, heating or cooling elements, filter racks or chambers, sound attenuators, or dampers. The RTU 102 may connect to a ductwork ventilation system that distributes the conditioned air through a residence or commercial building.

The chamber 104 pre-heats air to provide pre-heated air to the RTU 102 for circulation in a residence or commercial building. The barrier system 108 may provide a visual boundary or barrier to restrict an individual from unintentionally accessing the chamber 104 and the RTU 102. The barrier system 108 may include a structure 110 and one or more barriers, such as barriers 112 a-112 d. The barriers 112 a-112 d may include a fabric material. In one embodiment, the fabric material of one or more of the barriers 112 a-112 d may be a woven polypropylene material. In another embodiment, the fabric material of one or more of barriers the 112 a-112 d may be a cotton material, a silk material, a linen material, a wool material, a leather material, a hemp material, and so forth. In another embodiment, the fabric material of one or more of the barriers 112 a-112 d may be fire-retardant material. In another embodiment, the fabric material of one or more of the barriers 112 a-112 d may be porous to allow for movement of air through the material. In another example, the fabric material of one or more of the barriers 112 a-112 d may be fire-rated, porous woven black fabric or perforated black fabric allowing a designated quantity of air to flow through it at a specific pressure drop. In another embodiment, the fabric material of one or more of the barriers 112 a-112 d may be porous to allow wind to move through the fabric material to reduce or substantially eliminate a wind load on the barrier system 108 so that increased winds may not lift or move the barrier system 108.

In one embodiment, an air duct 106 may connect one of the barriers 112 a-112 d to the chamber 104 so that the chamber 104 may receive pre-heated air before providing the air to the RTU 102. For example, outside air may pass through the barrier 112 a via the air duct 106 to the chamber 104. In one example, the fabric material of the barrier 112 a may be porous to allow air to move through the fabric material into the chamber 104. In another example, the air duct 106 may be a flexible air duct. In another example, the air duct 106 may be an insulated conduit between the barrier 112 a and the chamber 104.

In another embodiment, the chamber 104 may be a plenum. The plenum may be a container or structure with an air-filled space that receives air from through one of the barriers 112 a-112 d. For example, the plenum may be connected to the barrier 1 l 2 a. As the air moves through the barrier 112 a, the plenum may receive the air. In another embodiment, a fan of the RTU 102 may pull in outside air through the chamber 104.

In one embodiment, one or more of the barriers 112 a-112 b may be a dark-colored material that may capture solar energy and convert the solar energy into heat energy. For example, the barrier 112 a may include a black fabric material that heats up when bombarded by solar energy. In this example, the barrier 112 a may be a transpired solar collector where the fabric heats up air as it passes through the fabric. In another example, the barrier 112 a may include a cavity to store the heated air. The heated air may flow from the cavity of the barrier 112 a to the chamber 104, where the chamber 104 may further heat the air that is provided to the RTU 102. The barrier 112 a may include the fabric material to provide a sufficient surface area to absorb solar energy as heat and then transfer that heat to air as the air passes through the fabric material to the chamber 104. In another embodiment, the chamber 104 may include a fan to pull air through the barrier 112 a and/or the air duct 106.

In another embodiment, one or more of the barriers 1 l 2 a-112 d may include plastic material, metal material, or other material that may heat up when bombarded by solar energy. In another example, the barrier 1 l 2 a may include an absorber plate that heats up when bombarded by solar energy. As the absorber plate heats up, at least a portion of the heat radiates from the absorber plate into the air and increases the temperature of the air as the air passes through the fabric material to the chamber 104. In another embodiment, the barriers 112 a-112 d may include the fabric material, the plastic material, the metal material, and/or the other material to heat up air surrounding the outside of the chamber 104 and/or the RTU 102. In one example, each of the barriers 112 a-112 d may include black fabric material that may absorb solar energy and convert the solar energy into heat. The heat from the fabric material may increase a temperature of the air in a cavity or space within the barriers 112 a-112 d. The heated air in the cavity or space may increase a temperature of the chamber 104 and/or the RTU 102 such that thermal energy from the chamber 104 and/or the RTU 102 may not radiate from the chamber 104 and/or the RTU 102 and will remain at the chamber 104 and/or the RTU 102.

FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of a solar air heating system 100 connected to the RTU 102, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 1B are the same or similar to some of the features in FIG. 1A as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. As discussed above, the solar air heating system 100 may include a chamber 104 to preheat air and/or provided the air to the RTU 102. As further discussed above, an air duct 106 may connect the chamber 104 to one of the barriers 112 a-112 d, such as barrier 112 a. In one embodiment, the barrier 112 a or at least a portion of the barrier 1 l 2 a may include an air collector 114.

The air collector 114 may be a container that captures or stores a portion of air that passes through an exterior portion of the barrier 112 a. The air collector 114 may include material that allows for air to pass from outside the air collector 114 into a cavity of the air collector 114. The air collector 114 may then heat the air within the cavity. In one embodiment, the air collector 114 may include material that may convert solar energy into thermal energy. For example, the air collector 114 may include black fabric material that may absorb light energy or solar energy from the sun and convert the light energy or solar energy into thermal energy or heat. The thermal energy may then radiate from the black fabric material and heat the air stored in the cavity of the air collector 114. In another embodiment, the air collector 114 may include a first material at a front of the barrier 112 a that is porous to allow the air to enter the cavity and a second material that may capture the air to heat or increase the temperature of the air as the thermal energy is transferred from the first material to the air.

As the air is heated in the cavity of the air collector 114, the air may then be transferred from the cavity of the air collector 114 to the chamber 104 via the air duct 106. As discussed above, the chamber 104 may further increase the temperature of the air within the chamber 104. As further discussed below, the chamber 104 may be configured to have an open position that allows the preheated air to be transferred from the chamber 104 to the RTU 102 and a closed position that allows outside or external air to be directed to the RTU 102.

FIG. 2A illustrates a side exposed view of the solar air heating system 100, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 2A are the same or similar to some of the features in FIGS. 1A-1B as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise.

The chamber 104 may include a diverter 216, a motor 218, and an external air opening 220. In one example, the chamber 104 may be a container, such as a box or a plenum, that is connected to the air duct 106. As discussed above, the chamber 104 may receive heated air via an opening connected to the air duct 106. A portion of the chamber 104 may also include an external air opening 220 that may provide an opening for the chamber 104 to receive non-preheated air from the external or outside environment. In one embodiment, the cavity of the chamber 104 may include a first portion 226 and a second portion 228.

The first portion 226 may include an opening connected to the air duct 106 to receive the preheated air. The preheated air may be stored or contained within the first portion of the cavity. The second portion 228 may include the external air opening 220 to receive external air.

In one embodiment, the chamber 104 may include the diverter 216 connected to the motor 218 within the cavity of the chamber 104. The motor 218 may be configured to rotate the diverter 216 between an outside air configuration 222 and a preheated air configuration 224. In one embodiment, the diverter 216 may be a hinged flap. In another embodiment, the diverter 216 may be a polycarbonate sheet or sheet metal. In another embodiment, the motor 218 may rotate the diverter 216 between a first position for the outside air configuration 222 and a second position for the preheated air configuration 224. In one example, the first position may be a vertical position where the diverter 216 is at a 90-degree angle relative to a bottom of the chamber 104. When the diverter 216 is in the first position, the diverter 216 may form a barrier or a wall between the first portion 226 of the cavity of the chamber 104 and the second portion 228 of the cavity of the chamber 104. When the diverter 216 is in the first position, the chamber 104 may direct air external to the chamber 104 to an opening 229 of the chamber 104 that is at a top of the second portion 228 that abuts an air intake of the RTU 102.

In another example, the second position may be a vertical position where the diverter 216 is coplanar or horizontal relative to a bottom of the chamber 104. When the diverter 216 is in the second position, the diverter 216 may form a barrier or a wall over the external air opening 220 such that external air may not enter the cavity of the chamber 104 and may not be directed to the RTU 102. When the diverter 216 is in the second position, the preheated air stored in the cavity of the chamber 104 may be directed via the opening 229 to the RTU 102 to provide the RTU 102 with air that has a temperature higher the temperature of the external air.

The motor 218 may switch the diverter between the outside air configuration 222 and the pre-heated air configuration 224 based on an outside temperature approximate to the chamber 104. In one embodiment, when the outside temperature is below a threshold temperature level, the motor 218 may rotate the diverter 216 to be in the preheated air configuration 224 so that the chamber 104 provides air via the opening 229 to the RTU 102 that has been preheated by the collector 112 and/or the chamber 104. The chamber 104 may provide the RTU 102 with pre-heated air to reduce the amount of energy the RTU 102 uses to heat the air to a threshold level prior to circulating the air into a residence or commercial building. When the outside temperature is equal to or exceed the threshold temperature level, the motor 218 may rotate the diverter 216 to the vertical position to block the air in the first portion 226 of the chamber from being provided to the RTU 102 and allow the air from the external air opening 220 to be provided to the RTU 102 via the chamber 104.

In one embodiment, the threshold temperature level may be set as a standard temperature level for air supplied to the RTU 102. For example, the RTU 102 may require that the temperature of the air provided to the RTU be at least 57 degrees Fahrenheit (F). When the outside air is below 57° F., the chamber 104 may provide preheated air that is at least 57° F. When the outside air is equal to or exceeds 57° F., the chamber 104 may provide outside air to the RTU 102.

In one example, when the external or outside air temperature is at least 57° F., the motor 218 may be energized or engaged to start pushing a piston that pushes the diverter 216 upward and by the time the outside air temperature is 60° F. the motor 218 may fully extend the piston to close off the air flow from the first portion 226 of the chamber 104. When the air flow from the first portion 226 of the chamber 104 is closed off, the external air opening 220 may be fully opened to the external air such that the RTU 102 receives the external air from the chamber 104.

In another example, when the external or outside air temperature is at below 57° F. the motor 218 may be energized or engaged to start to pull the piston that pulls the diverter 216 upward or backward to open the air flow from the first portion 226 of the chamber 104. When the air flow from the first portion 226 of the chamber 104 is open, the external air opening 220 may be closed off such that the RTU 102 receives the preheated air from the chamber 104. The motor 218 may keep the diverter 216 in the same position until the outside temperature changes from below the threshold temperature to above the threshold temperature or vice versa.

In one embodiment, the motor 218 may be a wax motor. The wax motor may be a linear actuator device that converts thermal energy into mechanical energy using a phase-changing wax to actuate the motor 218. For example, as wax melts, the wax may contract in volume and as the wax solidifies the wax may expand in volume. As the wax contracts or expands, the contraction or expansion may actuate the motor 218 to switch the positions of the diverter 216. When the motor 218 is a wax motor, the chamber 104 may not use electricity to actuate the motor to switch the positions of the diverter 216. In another embodiment, the motor 218 may be an electric motor, a gas motor, or a solar-powered motor and may use electricity or another source of power to actuate the motor 218 to switch the positions of the diverter 216. In one example, as the wax contracts the motor 218 may pull the diverter 216 into the first position 226 and when the wax expands the motor 218 may push the diverter 216 into the second position 228, or vice versa.

FIG. 2B illustrates the chamber 104 providing air to the RTU 102 from below an air intake or air intake hood 230 of the RTU 102, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 2B are the same or similar to some of the features in FIGS. 1A-2B as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. In one embodiment, the chamber 104 may be connected to the RTU 102 with fasteners. The fasteners may include straps, bolts, epoxy, and so forth. In another embodiment, the chamber 104 may be placed below the air intake 230 of the RTU 102 such that while the opening 229 of the chamber 104 is not physically connected to the air intake 230, the chamber 104 is positioned under the air intake 230 so that as the RTU 102 pulls air in air from the air intake 230, the air will be pulled from the chamber 104 via the opening 229. In one example, a height of the chamber 104 may be adjusted to fit beneath the RTU 102 so that when a fan of the RTU 102 pulls air from the outside to circulate new air into a residence or building, the RTU 102 may pull the air from the opening 229 of the chamber 104.

In another embodiment, a support structure 232 that supports the chamber 104 may be located beneath the chamber 104. When the chamber 104 is connected to the RTU 102 or positioned approximate the RTU 102, the chamber 104 may be placed or positioned against the RTU 102 so that the opening 229 of the chamber 104 is located underneath the air intake 230 of the RTU 102.

In one embodiment, the support structure 232 of the chamber 104 may include legs that may be adjusted so that the opening 229 of the chamber 104 abuts the bottom of the air intake 230 of the RTU 102. Once the adjustable legs of the support structure 232 have been adjusted, the adjustable legs may be secured a roof that the RTU 102 rests on, such as by screwing the adjustable legs of the support structure 232 to the roof. In one example, the chamber 104 may be adjusted to slope down at a downward angle or up at an upward angle so that water may flow off a top of the chamber 104. To adjust the upward or downward angle of the chamber 104, one or more adjustable legs of the support structure 232 may be raised or lowered in height.

In another example, to access the bottom of the air intake 230 of the RTU 102, the chamber 104 may be removed from the support structure 232, such as unscrewing or unfastening the chamber 104 from the support structure 232 and removing the chamber 104. When the chamber 104 has been removed from the support structure 232, an individual may access a bottom of the air intake 230.

FIG. 2C illustrates the chamber 104 providing air to the RTU 102 from above an air vent 234 of the RTU 102, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 2C are the same or similar to some of the features in FIGS. 1A-2B as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. The configuration of the RTU 102 may vary based on the type of building the RTU 102 is connected to and/or the type of ventilation system of the building that the RTU 102 is connected to. As discussed in FIG. 2B, the RTU 102 may include an air intake 230 that is facing downward with an opening of the air intake 230 that opens at a bottom of the air intake 230. In another embodiment, the RTU 102 may include an air vent 234 that faces upward with an opening at the top of the air vent 234. In this embodiment, the chamber 104 may be positioned such that the opening 229 of the chamber 104 may face downward toward the opening at the top of the air vent 234. When the chamber 104 is positioned above the top of the air vent 234, the chamber 104 may be supported by a support structure 236 with one or more adjustable legs. In one example, the support structure 236 may fully support the chamber 104. In another example, at least a portion of the chamber 104 may be supported by the air vent 234. For example, a front portion of the chamber 104 may rest on a top of the air vent 234.

FIG. 2D illustrates the chamber 104 being partially inserted into an air vent 238 of the RTU 102, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 2D are the same or similar to some of the features in FIGS. 1A-2C as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. As discussed above, the configuration of the RTU 102 may vary based on the type of building the RTU 102 is connected to and/or the type of ventilation system of the building that the RTU 102 is connected to. In one embodiment, the RTU 102 may include an air vent 238 that extends outward from a side of the RTU 102. In this embodiment, the chamber 104 may be at least partially be inserted into an opening at an end of the air vent 238. For example, an end of the chamber 104 with the opening 229 may be positioned at least partially within the opening of the air vent 238. In another embodiment, when the chamber 104 is inserted at least partially into the air vent 238, the air vent 238 may support the chamber 104. For example, the chamber 104 may be slightly smaller (such as 1 millimeter to 25 millimeters smaller) than a cavity of the air vent 238 such that the chamber 104 may rest within the cavity of the air vent 238 and be supported by the air vent 238.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top perspective view of the structure 110 of the solar air heating system 100, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 3A are the same or similar to some of the features in FIGS. 1A-2D as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. As discussed above, the barrier system 108 may provide a visual boundary or barrier to restrict an individual from unintentionally accessing the chamber 104 and the RTU 102 in FIG. 1A. The barrier system 108 may include the structure 110 that one or more barriers 112 a-112 d may be attached to. The structure 110 may include one or more sub-structures. The number, configuration, and dimension of the sub-structures of the structure 110 discussed below are not intended to be limiting but rather provide examples of the sub-structures of the structure 110.

In one embodiment, the structure 110 may include sub-structures 340 a, 340 b, 340 c, and 340 d. The sub-structures 340 a, 340 b, 340 c, and 340 d may have the same configuration. While sub-structure 340 a is discussed below, sub-structures 340 b, 340 c, and 340 d may have the same configuration and/or components and are not discussed separately.

The sub-structure 340 a may include a base support 342, side supports 344 a and 344 b, cross supports 346 a-346 d, and a top support 348. In one embodiment, the base support 342 may extend horizontally along a first plane 350 and the top support 348 may extend horizontally along a second plane 352. The first side support 344 a may be connected to a first end of the base support 342 and extend from the first plane 350 upwardly to the second plane 352. The second side support 344 b may be connected to a second end of the base support 342 and extend from the first plane 350 upwardly to the second plane 352. In one embodiment, the base support 342 and the top support 348 may be the same length such that the base support 342, the top support 348, the first side support 344 a, and the second side support 344 b form a square or a rectangle shaped frame. In another embodiment, the base support 342 and the top support 348 may be different lengths such that the base support 342, the top support 348, the first side support 344 a, and the second side support 344 b form a trapezoid shaped frame.

In another embodiment, the cross supports 346 a-346 d may extend between the base support 342 and the top support 348 within the perimeter of the frame formed by the base support 342, the top support 348, the first side support 344 a, and the second side support 344 b. In one example, one or more of the cross supports 346 a-346 d may extend perpendicularly from the base support 342 and the top support 348. In another example, one or more of the cross supports 346 a-346 d may extend at an angle from the base support 342 and the top support 348. The cross supports 346 a-346 d reinforce the sub-structure 340 a in which the cross supports 346 a-346 d are support braces or intersecting braces that may increase a structural integrity and rigidity of the sub-structure 340 a. The number of cross supports for the sub-structure 340 a is not intended to be limiting. For example, the sub-structure 340 a may include a single cross support or multiple cross supports. As discussed above, the sub-structure 340 a may support the air collector 114 in FIG. 1B and/or the barrier 112 a.

In another embodiment, the sub-structures 340 a-340 d may be interconnected to form the structure 110. In one example, the sub-structures 340 a-340 d may be connected at the side supports 344 a and/or 344 b. For example, the side support 344 a of sub-structure 340 a may be connected to the side support of the sub-structure 340 d and the side support 344 b of sub-structure 340 b may be connected to a side support of sub-structure 340 b. The sub-structures 340 b-340 d may be similarly interconnected. In one example, one or more of the sub-structures 340 a-340 d may be positioned perpendicularly or vertically relative to the ground or a floor. In one example, one or more of the sub-structures 340 a-340 d may be positioned at an angle relative to the ground or a floor. The angle may be between 1 degree and 89 degrees or 91 degrees and 179 degrees. In one embodiment, the first sub-structure 340 a and the third sub-structure 340 c may be angled inward toward an RTU and the second sub-structure 340 b and the fourth sub-structure 340 d may be perpendicular relative to the ground or floor such that the second sub-structure 340 b and the fourth sub-structure 340 d extend upwardly at the same angle as the RTU. In another embodiment, the sub-structure 340 a-340 d may be perpendicular relative to the ground or floor to form a square structure.

In one embodiment, one or more sections of the sub-structure 340 a may be adjustable in width and/or height. For example, the base support 342, the top support 348, the first side support 344 a, the second side support 344 b, and/or the cross supports 346 a-346 d may be adjustable in length. In another example, the sub-structure 340 a may be adjusted along a lateral plane to move right or left to avoid obstacles. For example, the sub-structure 340 a may be adjusted laterally to move the sub-structure 340 a along the lateral plane. In one example, the sub-structure 340 a may include an adjuster to adjust a height and/or length of the sub-structure 340 a. In one example, the adjuster may include a first pipe or beam with a first diameter at least partially inserting into a second pipe or beam with a second diameter. In this example, when the amount that the first pipe or beam is inserted into the second pipe or beam is a defined amount to adjust the sub-structure 340 a to a desired height and/or length, a fastener may be adjusted to keep maintain the amount the first pipe or beam is inserted. The fastener may be screws, push buttons, and so forth to secure the first pipe or beam to the second pipe or beam.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the structure 110, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 3B are the same or similar to some of the features in FIG. 1A-3A as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. The structure 110 may include footing to support the sub-structures 340 a-340 d. In one embodiment, the sub-structure 340 a may include a first support beam 354 a and a first footing 356 a to connect to the first side support 344 a and/or the base support 342. The first support beam 354 a and the first footing 356 a may support a first side of the sub-structure 340 a. In another embodiment, the sub-structure 340 b may include a second support beam 354 b and the second footing 356 b to connect to the second side support 344 b and/or the base support 342. The second support beam 354 b and the second footing 356 b may support a second side of the sub-structure 340 a.

In one embodiment, the first footing 356 a and/or the second footing 356 b may be a pipe, a beam, a board, and so forth. In one example, the first footing 356 a and/or the second footing 356 b may be a 4×6 treated timber that are lagged into a curb of the RTU 102 or the ground, a floor, or a roof of a building. The first footing 356 a and the second footing 356 b may extend out past the RTU 102 in both directions, such as extending approximately 7 feet. The second sub-structure 340 b, the third sub-structure 340 c, and/or the fourth sub-structure 340 d may include similar support beams and footings. In one example, the structure 110 may include a support beam and a footing at each corner at the bottom of the structure 110. In one embodiment, a length of the footing may vary to disperse a weight of the solar air heating system 100, as shown in FIG. 1A. In one example, a structural or building requirement may define an amount of weight that may be applied to a roof of a building over a defined area of the roof. In this example, the length of one or more of the footings may be increased or decrease to disperse the weight of the solar air heating system 100 according to the structural or building requirement.

FIG. 3C illustrates a top view of the structure 110, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 3C are the same or similar to some of the features in FIGS. 1A-3B as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. As discussed above, the structure 110 may include footings to support the structure 110 and fasten the structure 110 to the ground or a floor of a roof. In one embodiment, the structure may include a first footing 356 a at a first corner of the structure 110, a second footing 356 b at a second corner of the structure 110, a third footing 356 c at a third corner of the structure 110, and a fourth footing 356 d at a fourth corner of the structure 110. The first footing 356 a, the second footing 356 b, the third footing 356 c, and the fourth footing 356 d may support the structure 110 and may disperse the weight of the structure 110 across a portion of the ground or the floor of a roof. The structure 110 may provide a frame to hold the barriers 112 a-112 d to provide a visual boundary or barrier to restrict an individual from unintentionally accessing the RTU 102.

FIG. 4A illustrates a strap 450 to connect the structure 110 to the RTU 102 of the solar air heating system 100, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 4A are the same or similar to some of the features in FIGS. 1A-3C as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. In one embodiment, the strap 450 may be connected to the RTU 102 by extending around a perimeter of the RTU 102. In one example, as the size and circumference of the perimeter of the RTU 102 may vary, the strap 450 may include an adjuster 452 to increase or decrease a circumference of the strap 450.

In one embodiment, the strap 450 may be a metal strap that extends around a perimeter of a top portion of the RTU 102. The adjuster 452 may be a bolt that connects a first end of the strap 450 to a second end of the strap 450. A nut may be located on one end or both ends of the bolt. As the bolt is fastened or tightened, the circumference of the strap 450 may be reduced and as the bolt is unfastened or untightened, the circumference of the strap 450 may be increased. In another embodiment, the strap 450 may be a tie down strap and the adjuster 452 may be a ratchet to adjust a size of the circumference of the strap 450. In another embodiment, the strap 450 may be a strip of material and the adjuster 452 may be a buckle to adjust a length of the strap 450.

In another embodiment, the structure 110 may include one or more connector beams 454 a-454 d to connect the structure 110 to the RTU 102 via the strap 450. In one example, a first connector beam 454 a may connect to a top beam 348 a for the first sub-structure 340 a. The first connector beam 454 a may extend from the first top beam 348 a to a first side of the strap 450 to fasten the first top beam 348 a to the strap 450. In another example, a second connector beam 454 b may connect to a second top beam 348 b for the second sub-structure 340 b. The second connector beam 454 b may extend from the second top beam 348 b to a second side of the strap 450 to fasten the second top beam 348 b to the strap 450. In another example, a third connector beam 454 c may connect to a third top beam 348 c for the third sub-structure 340 c. The third connector beam 454 c may extend from the third top beam 348 c to a third side of the strap 450 to fasten the third top beam 348 c to the strap 450. In another example, a fourth connector beam 454 d may connect to a fourth top beam 348 d for the fourth sub-structure 340 d. The fourth connector beam 454 d may extend from the fourth top beam 348 d to a fourth side of the strap 450 to fasten the fourth top beam 348 d to the strap 450.

The first connector beam 454 a, the second connector beam 454 b, the third connector beam 454 c, and/or the fourth connector beam 454 d may fasten to the top beams 348 a-348 d and the sides of the strap 450, respectively, by a fastener. The fastener may be a nut and bolt, epoxy, a loop and hook, and so forth. A number of the connector beams is not intended to be limiting. The solar air heating system 100 may include a single connector beam or multiple connector beams.

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the structure 110 connected to the RTU 102, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 4B are the same or similar to some of the features in FIGS. 1A-4A as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. As discussed above, the connector beams 454 a-454 d may connect the top beams 348 a-348 d to the strap 450, respectively. Connecting the top beams 348 a-348 d to the strap 450 may secure the structure 110 to the RTU 102. When winds blow across the solar air heating system 100, the secure connection of the structure 110 to the RTU 102 may reduce or eliminate the movement of the structure 110 by the wind. Additionally, the secure connection may reduce or eliminate the structure 110 being accidentally moved when an individual bumps into the structure 110.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the barrier system 108 without a barrier on a side 556 of the barrier system 108, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 5 are the same or similar to some of the features in FIGS. 1A-4B as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. As discussed above, the barrier system 108 may provide a visual boundary or barrier to restrict an individual from unintentionally accessing the chamber 104 and the RTU 102. In one embodiment, the RTU 102 may be located against or approximate another structure, such as a wall, a door, an edge of a roof, or a relatively large object. When the RTU 102 is located against or approximate the other structure, the barrier system 108 may not include a barrier on the side of the barrier system 108 that faces the other structure. In one embodiment, when the side 556 of the barrier system 108 is located against or approximate a wall, the barrier system 108 may not include a barrier on side 556. For example, when the side 556 corresponds with the side where barrier 112 c is located in FIG. 1A, the barrier system 108 may not include the barrier 112 c as part of the barrier system 108. In one example, eliminating the barrier 112 c from the barrier system 108 may reduce a weight of the solar air heating system 100. In another example, eliminating the barrier 112 c from the barrier system 108 may reduce a surface area of the barrier system 108 that may be caught by wind and move or damage the solar air heating system 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of an example embodiment of a solar air heating system 600 connected to chamber 104 affixed to a side wall of a building (not shown), wherein the RTU (not shown) is disposed within the interior of the building. Here, the chamber 104 provides air into the interior of a structure. The exemplary solar air heating system 600 includes two air collectors 114 a and 114 b. The two air collectors 114 a, 114 b are fluidly coupled to the first portion 226 of the chamber 104 by the air ducts 106. In accordance with previously described embodiments, the wall mounted chamber 104 includes a diverter (not shown), that when operated to the first position, diverts air external to the chamber 104 into the second portion 228, via the opening 229, such that the external air is drawn into the RTU when the RTU is operating. When the diverter is operated into the second position, the opening 229 is closed by the diverter to block the external air from entering into the second portion 228. And, when the diverter is in the second position, the first portion 226 of the air chamber is in fluid communication with the second portion 226. When the RTU is operating when the diverter is in the second position, air is drawn through the air permeable black or dark radiant heat absorbing fabric material covering the exterior portion of the air collectors 14 a, 114 b. The air is heated as it passes through the black fabric material. The heated air within the interior of the air collectors 114 a, 114 b is then drawn through the ducts 106 into the first portion 226 of the chamber 104. The warm air is then drawn through the second portion 226 and then into the operating RTU.

Other embodiments may employ one air collector 114, or more than two air collectors 114. Size and volume of the air collectors 114 a, 114 b may be designed to provide any desired volume of air that is drawn in by the operating RTU. The air collectors 114 a, 114 b are conceptually described as being affixed to a side wall of a building. In other embodiments, the air collectors 114 a, 114 b may be affixed to a roof of a building, or may be separately affixed to another structure.

FIG. 7 is an exploded parts view of the air collector 114 a, 114 b of FIG. 6. The air collector 114 a, 114 b comprises a cage structure 702, an air barrier 704, a layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706, and an end portion 708. The cage structure 702 provides the structure to define an interior of the air collectors 114 a, 114 b, and is sufficiently rigid enough so that the air collectors 114 a, 114 b during transportation to the installation site, installation, and use.

The cage structure 702 may be fabricated from any readily available metal cage material that can be readily cut to a predefined design size. Alternatively, the cage material may be made of a rigid or semi rigid plastic. In some embodiments, multiple sections of the formed cage structure 702 may be connected to form an air collector 114 a, 114 b of any desired length.

In an example embodiment, the air barrier 704 is a layer that is disposed along the lower side 702 b of the air collector 114 a, 114 b that is facing the side wall of the installation building (or the roof if installed on a building roof). Here, the lower side 702 b is facing away from the sun. The air barrier 704 prevents entry of external air into the air collector 114 a, 114 b from that side 702 b because that side 702 b of the air collector 114 a, 114 b is not heated by incident solar energy. Preferably, the air barrier 704 is made of a temperature insulative material so that heated air entering into the interior of the air collector 114 a, 114 b is not cooled by that side of the air collector 114 a, 114 b.

The outward facing side 702 a of the air collector 114 a, 114 b is covered with at least one layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706 of any suitable thickness. In a preferred embodiment, two or more layers of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706 are used. The layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706 on the outward facing surface 702 a of the air collector 114 a, 114 b is exposed to the heating solar energy of the sun. As external air is drawn through the heated layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706 into the interior of the air collector 114 a, 114 b, the drawn air is heated by the warmed layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706.

The end portion end portion 708 is shaped in accordance with the cross section of the air collector 114 a, 114 b. The edges of the end portion 708 are affixed to the end of the air collector 114 a, 114 b. In an example embodiments, support members 710 are used to secure the edges of the end portion 708 to the end of the air collector 114 a, 114 b. Additionally, or alternatively, glue, solder, welding, clips, or other attaching means may be used to secure the edges of the end portion 708 to the end of the air collector 114 a, 114 b. Preferably, the secured edges of the end portion 708 form an air tight, or substantially air tight, seal with the end of the air collector 114 a, 114 b.

The end portion 708 includes an air duct aperture 712 sized to mateably fit to the air duct 106 (FIG. 6). Any suitable means may be used to secure the end of the air duct 106 to the aperture 712 of the end portion 708. Preferably, the secured air duct aperture 712 of the end portion 708 forms an air tight, or substantially air tight, seal with the end of the air duct 106.

In the illustrated example embodiment of FIG. 7, one skilled in the art appreciates that the opposing edges of a first cage structure 702 a are joined with corresponding opposing edges of a second cage structure 702 b. The edges may be secured using any suitable fastener, such as a clip, bolt and nut, screw, or the like. Additionally, or alternatively, glue, solder, welding, adhesive tape, or other attaching means may be used to secure the edges of the end portion 708 to the end of the air collectors 114 a, 114 b. In an example embodiment, a support member 714 may be used to secure the edges of the sides 702 a, 702 b of the cage structure 702. Further, the optional support member 714 may provide further rigidity to the air collectors 114 a, 114 b.

A distal end portion 802 (see FIG. 8A) is secured to the distal opposing end of the air collector 114 a, 114 b. In an example embodiment, the shape and size of the distal end portion 802 is the same, or substantially the same, as the shape and size of the end portion 708. The edges of the distal end portion 802 are affixed to the opposing end of the air collector 114 a, 114 b in the same or similar manner as used to secure the edges of the end portion 708 to the proximal end of the air collector 114 a, 114 b. Preferably, the secured edges of the distal end portion 802 form an air tight, or substantially air tight, seal with the opposing end of the air collector 114 a, 114 b. Accordingly, when air is drawn into the interior of the air collector 114 a, 114 b, the air must pass through the black material covering the air collector 114 a, 114 b.

In an example embodiment, the distal end portion 802 does not include an air duct aperture. Alternatively, an air duct aperture may be included in the distal end portion 802 so that a plurality of air collector 114 a, 114 b may be connected in series with each other using a duct.

In some embodiments, the distal end portion 802 at the distal opposing end of the air collector 114 a, 114 b is omitted. The side edges of the opposing distal end of the air collector 114 a, 114 b may be brought together and then sealably joined together in an airtight manner.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the cage structure 702 of an alternative embodiment of the solar air heating system 602 of FIG. 6. FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C are enlarged perspective views of selected portions of the cage structure 702 illustrated in FIG. 8A.

In the example embodiment of the cage structure 702 of FIG. 8A, the process of constructing the cage structure 702 begins by laying a sheet of wire cage material on a working surface, such as a table or a floor. The sheet of wire cage material is folded over on top of itself so that the opposing edges of the wire cage material are brought together. As illustrated in FIGS. 8B, 8C, a plurality of wire clips 804 may be used to secure the opposing edges of the wire cage material together. Other securing means, such as wire, bolts and nuts, screws, glue, adhesive tape, or the like may be used to secure the opposing edges of the cage structure 702 together. An optional support member 714 may be used to further secure the opposing edges of the cage structure 702 together and to provide additional rigidity and structural support to the formed cage structure 702. In practice, the sides 702 a, 702 b are pressed together to some degree to deform the wire cage material to conform to the shape of the end portion 708. In the example embodiment, the formed cage structure 702 resembles an aircraft wing.

Next, the end portion 708 is secured to the proximal end of the cage structure 702. In the illustrated example embodiment of FIG. 8B, pieces of wire 806 may be used to secure the end portion 708 to the end of the cage structure 702. Alternatively, or additionally, other means may be used to secure the end portion 708 to the cage structure 702, such as such as wire, bolts and nuts, screws, glue, adhesive tape, or the like. The distal end section 802 is similarly secured to the distal opposing end of the cage structure 702.

In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8A, three sections 702-1, 702-2 and 702-3 of wire cage material are separately formed as described herein above. Then, the three sections 702-1, 702-2 and 702-3 are aligned together in an end to end fashion on the working surface. Clips 808 are then used to secure the ends of the three sections 702-1, 702-2 and 702-3 to each other, thereby forming the cage structure 702 having a desired length. Other securing means, such as wire, bolts and nuts, screws, glue, adhesive tape, or the like may be used to secure the opposing edges of the three sections 702-1, 702-2 and 702-3 together. An optional support member 714 may be used to further secure the opposing edges of the three sections 702-1, 702-2 and 702-3 together and to provide additional rigidity to the formed cage structure 702.

In an example embodiment, a large sheet of the layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706 is then laid down on another flat working surface, such as a table or a floor. Then, a cut-to-size piece of air barrier 704 material is placed over a portion of the layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706. After assembly of the cage structure 702, the side 702 b of the fabricated cage structure 702 is placed on top of the cut-to-size piece of air barrier 704 material. Then the remaining portion of the layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706 is wrapped over and around the side 702 a of the cage structure 702, The ends of the layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706 are then joined and secured together, such as by sewing, clipping, gluing, taping, or the like.

FIG. 9A is a cross sectional view of the air collector 114 a, 114 b of FIG. 6. FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross section of the air collector 114 a, 114 b illustrated in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9B illustrates the use of a plurality of screws 902 to secure the support member 714 to the joined edges of the sides 702 a and 702 b. The screws 902 may be self-tapping, such that when driven into and through the material of the support member 714, the lower surface of the heads of the screws 902 tighten the wire of the cage structure 702 b onto the upper surface of the support member 704 to frictionally secure the edge of the cage structure 702 to the support member 714.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the air collector 114 a, 114 b of FIG. 6 affixed to the side wall 1002 of a building. In the various embodiments, any suitable attachment means may be used to secure the air collector 114 a, 114 b. In the example embodiment, a first support member 1004 is secured to the side wall 1002 and is secured to the lower portion of the side 702 b of the cage structure 702. A shorter second support member 1006 is secured to the side wall 1002 and is secured to the upper portion of the side 702 b of the cage structure 702. Accordingly, the air collector 114 a, 114 b is angled such that the side 702 a of the cage structure 702 with the layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706 is oriented upward at an angle to receive incident solar energy that heats up the layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706. Preferably, any attachment means such as a bracket or the like secures the air collector 114 a, 114 b at an angle to receive incident sunlight.

FIG. 11 is a perspective top view of an alternative embodiment of an air collector 114 c. FIG. 12 is a perspective bottom view of an alternative embodiment of an air collector 114 c.

The air collector 114 c is a wall-like structure comprising a base portion 1102, an internal cage structure (not shown) defining an upper side 702 a, and a bottom portion 1104 defining a lower side 702 b. In the example embodiment, the base portion 1102 is substantially rectangular in shape with side walls 1106.

The internal cage structure is secured to the top edge of the base portion 1102. When the internal cage structure is made of a metal wire cage, the internal cage structure may be optionally arched to increase the area of the layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706 that is exposed to the sun, and to increase the volume within the air collector 114 c.

The bottom portion 1104 is secured to the lower edges of the base portion 1102. The bottom portion 1104 is preferably air impermeable. In some embodiments, an insulating barrier material may be used for, or may be secured to a surface of, the bottom portion 1104.

The arched internal cage structure defining the side 702 a is covered by the layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706. The depth of the base portion 1102 as defined by the dimensions of the side walls 1106. The arch of the internal cage structure and the dimension of the side walls 1106 define the volume of the interior cavity of the air collector 114 c. The degree of the arched cage structure 702 and the dimensions of the side walls 1008 may be defied to provide any suitable volume within the air collector 114 c.

In the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11-12, an air duct aperture 712 is disposed on the bottom portion 1104 of the air collector 114 c to facilitate coupling of the air collector 114 c to an air duct 106. In other embodiments, the air duct aperture 712 may be located on a selected one of the side walls 1106. If an air duct is located on one of the side walls 1106, another one of the air collectors 114 c may be joined to the air collector 114 c (or two air collectors 114 c may be connected with an air duct 106). A plurality of joined air collectors 114 c may then be used as part of an enclosure and/or a building wall.

In an example practice, the air collector 114 c is positioned vertically to form part of a wall or barrier. In other applications, the air collector 114 c may be oriented at an angle towards the sun so that the layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706 may more efficiently receive and be heated by the incident solar energy.

In some embodiments wherein a plurality of air collectors 114 c are joined together to form an enclosure, the bottom portion 1104 may be omitted. The enclosed volume defined by the plurality of joined air collectors 114 c may then become heated as air is drawn through the heated layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706, wherein the heated air may be used for additional purposes. For example, a seating area may be set up within the enclosed volume so that people within the enclosed volume may be comfortably seated. For example, but not limited to, patrons of a bar or restaurant seated within the enclosed volume of an outdoor patio may be warmed by the heated air flowing through the layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706. In a farming or agricultural environment, the enclosed volume may be used to warm animals, poultry, or the like. The enclosed volume may be used as a greenhouse for plants, and/or to preheat air for the green house.

In some instances, the air collector 114 c may be relatively large, and may form a wall or a substantial portion thereof. If the bottom portion 1104 is omitted, the enclosed volume defined in part by the relatively large air collectors 114 c may then become heated as air is drawn through the heated layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706.

In some situations, the RTU may be used to draw air through the warmed layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706. For example, the RTU may be a simple fan or the like. The warmed air drawn by the RTU fan may be used for any suitable purpose. In some instances, the internal air drawn by the fan may simply be exhausted into the ambient environment.

In some situations, a relatively large rectangular shaped air collector 114 c may be horizontally oriented, or substantially horizontally oriented, for use as a shade awning for a house or other building.

Embodiments of the air collector 114 c may define other shapes, such as triangles or other polyhedrals. For example, a plurality of rectangular, triangular, and/or polyhedral shaped air collectors 114 c may be arranged to form a yurt, an octagonal structure, or the like. Optionally, parts of the structure may include clear plastic or glass covered apertures to admit natural light and/or to control ambience of the interior volume. Such structures may be particularly desirable to increase an outdoor seating area during the winter season. Optionally, the plurality of air collectors 114 c may be easily assembled and disassembled for seasonal use.

In the various embodiments, one layer, two layers or even more layers of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706 may be used to cover the side 702 a of the cage structure 702. Preferably, the air pressure drop between the layer(s) of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706 and the RTU creates a static pressure of approximately seven to 10 cubic feet per minute (cfm) per square foot of the layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706 at 0.10 inches H20 (0.00025 bar).

In a residential home or building application, a smart thermostat may be used to control air flow through the structure. A remote sensor located inside of the interior of the air collector 114 may communicate temperature information to the thermostat. When the temperature reaches 72° Fahrenheit in the interior volume of the air collector 114, a heating furnace (RTU) may be actively set to a “fan only” mode of operation. Heated air in the interior volume of the air collector 114 may be drawn into the structure for air circulation. Here, a second diverter would open from the interior of the structure into the ambient outside, thus exhausting stale air to make room for the incoming air volume of the heated air drawn into the structure from the interior volume of the air collector 114.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct embodiments with independent utility. While each of these embodiments has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the embodiments includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such embodiments. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims are to be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed embodiments that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Embodiments embodied in other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same embodiment or a different embodiment and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the embodiments described herein. 

1. A method of preheating air using an air collector that is fluidly coupled to a chamber, wherein the chamber provides heated air to an interior of a structure, comprising: preheating air in the air collector, wherein the air collector defines an interior cavity configured to store heated air, and wherein a first surface portion of the air collector that is oriented towards the sun is covered with a radiant heat absorbing fabric, wherein the radiant heat absorbing fabric converts solar energy into thermal energy, and wherein the radiant heat absorbing fabric transfers the thermal energy to preheat air that is drawn through the radiant heat absorbing fabric and then into the interior cavity of the air collector; comparing a temperature of outside air with a threshold temperature; providing the outside air to a chamber in response to the temperature of outside air being at least equal to the threshold temperature; and providing the preheated air within the interior cavity of the air collector to the chamber, wherein the preheated air in the chamber is drawn into an interior of a structure in response to the temperature of the outside air being less than the threshold temperature.
 2. The method of claim 1, method further comprising: operating a diverter in the chamber into a first position to divert the preheated air within interior cavity of the air collector to the interior of the structure; and operating the diverter in the chamber into a second position to divert the outside air to the interior of the structure.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the chamber transfers the preheated air from a cavity of the chamber when the diverter is operated to the first position, and wherein the outside air enters an opening disposed in the chamber when the divertor is operated in the second position.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the air collector is a first air collector with a first interior cavity, the method further comprising: preheating air in a second air collector, wherein the second air collector defines a second interior cavity configured to store air, and wherein a first surface portion of the second air collector that is oriented towards the sun is covered with a radiant heat absorbing fabric, wherein the radiant heat absorbing fabric converts solar energy into thermal energy, and wherein the radiant heat absorbing fabric transfers the thermal energy to preheat air that is drawn through the radiant heat absorbing fabric and then into the interior cavity of the second air collector; and providing the preheated air within the second interior cavity of the second air collector to the chamber in response to the temperature of the outside air being less than the threshold temperature.
 5. A solar air heating system, comprising: a chamber that provides air to an interior of a structure; an air duct with a proximal end that is fluidly coupled to the chamber; an air collector that is fluidly coupled to an opposing end of the air duct, the air collector comprising: a cage structure that defines an interior cavity of the air collector; an end portion, wherein the end portion has an air duct aperture that is coupled to the opposing end of the air duct, and wherein the end portion is secured to an end of the air collector to form a substantially air tight seal between the end portion and the end of the air chamber; an air barrier layer disposed along a lower side of the air collector; and a layer of air permeable, radiant heat absorbing fabric disposed over a top side of the air collector, wherein the radiant heat absorbing fabric transfers thermal energy to preheat air that is drawn through the radiant heat absorbing fabric and then into the interior cavity of the air collector, wherein outside air is provided to the chamber in response to the temperature of outside air being at least equal to a threshold temperature, and wherein the preheated air within the interior cavity of the air collector is provided to the chamber in response to the temperature of outside air being less than the threshold temperature so that the preheated air in the chamber is then drawn into the interior of the structure.
 6. The solar air heating system of claim 5, wherein the layer of air permeable, radiant heat absorbing fabric disposed over the top side of the air collector is one of a plurality of layers of air permeable, radiant heat absorbing fabric disposed over the top side of the air collector.
 7. The solar air heating system of claim 5, wherein the cage structure is one of a plurality of cage structures aligned end to end, wherein the aligned plurality of cage structures form the interior cavity of the air collector.
 8. The solar air heating system of claim 5, wherein the cage structure is formed from a sheet of wire cage material that is folded over on itself, and wherein the layer of air permeable, radiant heat absorbing fabric is wrapped over the cage structure to form the air collector.
 9. The solar air heating system of claim 8, wherein a shape of the air collector resembles an aircraft wing.
 10. The solar air heating system of claim 8, wherein opposing edges of the folded wire cage material are secured together.
 11. The solar air heating system of claim 10, further comprising: a support member secured to the opposing edges of the folded wire cage material, wherein the support member provides additional structural support to the air collector.
 12. The solar air heating system of claim 5, wherein the air barrier layer disposed along the lower side of the air collector is made of a temperature insulative material.
 13. The solar air heating system of claim 5, wherein the end portion is a first end portion, and further comprising: a second end portion, wherein the second end portion is secured to an opposing end of the air collector to form a substantially air tight seal between the second end portion and the opposing end of the air chamber.
 14. The solar air heating system of claim 5, wherein the second end portion includes an air duct aperture that is used to fluidly couple the air collector to another air collector.
 15. The solar air heating system of claim 5, wherein the air collector is a first air collector with a first interior cavity, wherein the air duct is a first air duct, wherein the air barrier layer of the first air collector is a first air barrier layer, wherein the cage structure of the first air collector is a first cage structure, wherein the end portion of the first air collector is a first end portion, wherein the layer of air permeable, radiant heat absorbing fabric is a first layer of air permeable, radiant heat absorbing fabric, and further comprising: a second air duct with a proximal end that is fluidly coupled to the chamber; a second air collector that is fluidly coupled to an opposing end of the second air duct, the second air collector comprising: a second cage structure that defines an interior cavity of the second air collector; a second end portion, wherein the second end portion has an air duct aperture that is coupled to the opposing end of the second air duct, and wherein the second end portion is secured to an end of the second air collector to form a substantially air tight seal between the second end portion and the end of the second air chamber; a second air barrier layer disposed along a lower side of the second air collector; and a second layer of air permeable, radiant heat absorbing fabric disposed over a top side of the second air collector, wherein the second air permeable, radiant heat absorbing fabric transfers thermal energy to preheat air that is drawn through the second air permeable, radiant heat absorbing fabric and then into the interior cavity of the second air collector, and wherein the preheated air within the interior cavity of the second air collector is provided to the chamber in response to the temperature of outside air being less than the threshold temperature so that the preheated air in the chamber is then drawn into the interior of the structure.
 16. An air collector, comprising: a base portion; and an internal cage structure that defines a fist surface that is covered with at least one layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric that is air permeable, wherein the internal cage structure and the base portion cooperatively define at least an interior cavity of the air collector, wherein the radiant heat absorbing fabric transfers thermal energy to preheat air that is drawn through the radiant heat absorbing fabric and then into the interior cavity of the air collector, wherein outside air is provided to an interior of a structure in response to the temperature of outside air being at least equal to a threshold temperature, and wherein the preheated air within the interior cavity of the air collector is provided to the interior of the structure in response to the temperature of outside air being less than the threshold temperature so that the preheated air in the chamber is then drawn into the interior of the structure.
 17. The air collector of claim 16, further comprising: a bottom portion secured to a bottom edge of the base portion, wherein the bottom portion is air impermeable, and wherein the bottom portion and the bottom edge of the base portion form an airtight seal.
 18. The air collector of claim 17, further comprising: a temperature insulative layer of material disposed along a surface of the bottom portion.
 19. The air collector of claim 16, wherein when the air collector is mounted in a substantially horizontal orientation, the air collector is used as a shade awning.
 20. The air collector of claim 16, wherein when the air collector is mounted in a substantially vertical orientation, the air collector is used as part of a wall. 